Tito Vilanova believes Neymar chose opportunity over money

Barcelona’s embattled manager Tito Vilanova was graced by good fortune this week when football superstar Neymar decided to join the Blaugrana. But the coach believes that the player’s decision to join Barca shows how much he wants to succeed at the top-club level.

Barcelona’s €28 million offer was accepted by Santos FC earlier this week, bringing to a close a fierce bidding war which saw club brass from even Real Madrid flying into Brazil to get a deal done. Neymar finished up his final match this weekend with his now former club, and Tito couldn’t hold back his excitement when asked to speak about his new acquisition.

“It is an important signing. We have been very attentive for some time because he could have had other, and better, proposals,” Vilanova said. “I also have to congratulate Neymar for choosing a sporting project and not a financial one. I have confidence he will do well in Europe and he will help us to become even greater.

“Neymar is the player we were looking for. We asked two and a half years ago. The club has been very successful and has done things very well, as we did with Jordi Alba last year. He progressed very well with the rest.”

Vilanova wasn’t afraid to talk about some of the doubts surrounding Neymar’s arrival to Camp Nou. “If they say Neymar is a `YouTube player` then it`s a good thing, because he has had some great games and great goals. He has chosen Barcelona because he believes he can adapt well to our play. If he had been looking for money, there would have been nothing for Barca to do.

“It`s a dream to have an attack like this. With so many better players we will have more chances to win. Now, we have to combine them in the best way, as we have done before. If Neymar comes it is because Barca are a long-term option for him.”